Comedian Rik Mayall dies at age 56

This is a May 31, 2000, file photo of British comedian and actor Rik Mayall with his wife Barbara. (AP Photo/Peter Jordan/PA, File)

LONDON -- Rik Mayall, one of a generation of performers that injected post-punk energy into British comedy, died at his London home on Monday. He was 56.

He was best known for co-writing and performing in "The Young Ones," a sitcom about slovenly students that was much loved by those it satirized.

On television he memorably played Conservative politician Alan B'stard in the sitcom "The New Statesman" and lecherous Lord Flashheart in comedy classic "Blackadder."

Film appearances included the title role in 1991 fantasy "Drop Dead Fred" -- which gained him a U.S. cult following -- and 1999 British comedy "Guest House Paradiso."

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. London's Metropolitan Police force said officers had been called to the house by the ambulance service on Monday, but that the death was not believed to be suspicious.

In 1998, Mayall was on life support and in a coma for several days after an all-terrain vehicle accident.